San Clemente, CA Crime Rate & Safety

San Clemente, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 49% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 486 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 127 chance for property crime. San Clemente has lower crime than 92% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

San Clemente is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A-. Approximately 100% of the city's 11 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Talega is one of the safest areas, while Central San Clemente has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting San Clemente is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in San Clemente are Talega, Forster Ranch, Marblehead, Coast District, and Shorecliffs Beach Club. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in San Clemente include Central San Clemente, Southeast San Clemente, North San Clemente, West Pico, and Rancho San Clemente. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in San Clemente is 205.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 486 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.4 per 100K (51% below average); aggravated assault at 159.7 per 100K (40% below average); robbery at 33.9 per 100K (54% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in San Clemente is 789.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 57% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 127 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 129.8 per 100K (52% below average); larceny/theft at 535.2 per 100K (62% below average); vehicle theft at 124.1 per 100K (61% below average).

San Clemente's overall crime rate is 49% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (40% below average), while rape is 71% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, San Clemente has lower crime than 92% of them.

San Clemente is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 57% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Talega, Forster Ranch, Marblehead.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. San Clemente's crime rate is 49% below the national average, making it safer the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in San Clemente, with an estimated rate of 535.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 62% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (789 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (206 per 100K) in San Clemente, which is consistent with national trends.